A special lightweight and portable Davit Crane developed by Penny Hydraulics is designed to make it easier and safer for utility and ground engineers to handle heavy items such as pumps up and down access shafts at remote sites. The unit incorporates a powerful electric winch capable of lifting loads weighing up to 500kg and is designed to replace traditional devices such as block and tackle and eliminate manual handling. Light weight, robust construction and ease of use combine to provide users with a versatile and effective load handling tool.
Penny Hydraulics responded to a request from one of the UK's major utility businesses for a simple, effective and reliable solution for lifting and lowering sewage pumps in and out of deep access shafts. The customer's existing block and tackle davit equipment was proving to be unreliable and prone to damage under load. Engineers had to complete each lift in stages by hand which was tiring, cumbersome and inefficient. Although the customer has vehicle mounted electric cranes it is not always possible to use these if the access shaft was in a difficult position.
A portable device offered a better potential solution and Penny Hydraulics met the customer's requirement by developing the Davit Crane. It is manufactured in two pieces from durable aluminium for the best possible combination of low weight and high strength. The whole crane, including winch, weighs 47kg when fully assembled. The unit is mounted into a simple socket adjacent to the access shaft and can be disassembled for easy carrying and transport when not in use. The largest sub-assembly weighs just 24kg, which means all components can be carried within the existing manual handling regulations.
The Davit Crane incorporates a powerful electric winch mounted at the end of the longer boom which allows loads of up to 500kg to be lowered as much as 16m (50ft) below ground level. Power is supplied from any vehicle using jump leads or a standard electric service socket. A wander lead enables remote control so that operatives can stand clear of moving parts during lifting operations for the best possible safety. The Davit Crane can also be used with standard block and tackle if preferred or when power is unavailable. A socket can be supplied with the Davit Crane for installation at the access shaft if one is not already present.
Penny Hydraulics (www.pennyhydraulics.com) designs and manufactures lifting and load handling equipment for use in a wide range of applications. Products include the Swing Lift range of medium duty cranes for use on pick-ups, drop-sides and flat-beds and the Step Lift, Load Lift and Tail Lift lifting platform ranges for use on pick-ups, drop-sides and vans. The company also manufactures the Mezz Lift for handling loads between ground floor and mezzanines and specialist equipment for handling wheels, tyres and barrels in vehicles and at customers' premises. Penny Hydraulics is a privately owned family business based in Clowne, Derbyshire.